89 replies to this topic

[Bishop Steiner]

Carrioncrows, on 30 May 2015 - 11:20 PM, said:

So what are you arguing here?

That the grasshopper is a waste?
That the grasshopper has some redeemable qualities?
That don't waste a heavy mech slot on a grasshopper when a vindicator can do it better?

You asked for what I find that works. Ppc's don't. You may find that boring. But this isn't a "what's fun thread". This is a "what works best thread."

Grasshopper works better than most in urban combat where you can get up high with cover. Using those high mount hardpoints to jump snipe, or peek. Generally it's Larges, Large pulse, or Er Larges that I use to do that. Back up by lots of mediums, smalls or medium pulse when people try to get in close push me out of my perch.

Yet here I am already doing better than I did with any of the laser vomit permutations. Because as usual, one size does not fit all. Go figure.

This isn't too crap on your opinion, but sometimes you seem to t take it personal if someone doesn't follow your advice. I have been playing this game as long as you, my friend. I usually know what works for me.

Edited by Bishop Steiner, 30 May 2015 - 11:35 PM.

[Carrioncrows]

Bishop Steiner, on 30 May 2015 - 11:28 PM, said:

Yet here I am already doing better than I did with any of the laser vomit permutations. Because add usual, one side does not fit all. Go figure.

I am sure PPC's would be an upgrade to the hit and run style that the grasshopper should work at. However as i have stated PPC's do not work for me. It is mostly likely an issue that is completely on my end.

So until we get some different weapons or they are altered I doubt I will have much choice in my optimal builds.

As usual I never expected one size to fit all. I am only telling you what works for me, like you asked.

[CocoaJin]

Bishop Steiner, on 30 May 2015 - 11:07 PM, said:

which sadly doesn't get PPC quirks.

Doesn't need them. You use it in low pressure scenerios, once it gets close and ugly I turn it "off"...except when I really need the extra punch and can afford the heat. Yeah, I know...a balanced build? Say what?!

Edited by CocoaJin, 30 May 2015 - 11:41 PM.

[Juodas Varnas]

Bishop Steiner, on 30 May 2015 - 11:07 PM, said:

which sadly doesn't get PPC quirks.

It's sad that some weapons need to be quirked to be even remotely usable.

It just really shows just how much of a bandaid quirks actually are.
I'll never understand why they changed the minimum range from linear decrease of damage to completely no damage at 90 metres. It's just so bloody stupid.

Edited by Juodas Varnas, 30 May 2015 - 11:48 PM.

[MarineTech]

Bishop. I have 1 word for you. Wubhoppers.

The Grasshopper is the single most XL friendly mech I've found yet. Pop on minimal jumpjets, shoehorn in an XL340, and run the mech like a larger version of the Hunchback 4P. I originally ran mine with standard engines and my performance was decidedly meh. I dropped in XLs and it became a whole new ballgame, particularly once I got them Elited.

Wub build on the 5H. http://mwo.smurfy-ne...c3b982eed3bb069



Maxiumum Wub on the 5N. http://mwo.smurfy-ne...07d198be7431970

[Bishop Steiner]

Juodas Varnas, on 30 May 2015 - 11:47 PM, said:

It's sad that some weapons need to be quirked to be even remotely usable.

It just really shows just how much of a bandaid quirks actually are.
I'll never understand why they changed the minimum range from linear decrease of damage to completely no damage at 90 metres. It's just so bloody stupid.

Agree 100%.

[Bishop Steiner]

Carrioncrows, on 30 May 2015 - 11:37 PM, said:

I am sure PPC's would be an upgrade to the hit and run style that the grasshopper should work at. However as i have stated PPC's do not work for me. It is mostly likely an issue that is completely on my end.

So until we get some different weapons or they are altered I doubt I will have much choice in my optimal builds.

As usual I never expected one size to fit all. I am only telling you what works for me, like you asked.

Great. Then why the passive aggressiveness in your previous post? For the record I don't get perfect hit reg with them. I don't with lasers, either. Especially on lights. If I actually cared to record matches, you'd puke in your mouth a little at the stupid amount of amperes, joules and whatever else I can pump into a light while their armor barely registers it. At least with PPCs, most of the time, if i do my part, I take a decent chunk out of them. On my end, it seems lasers are even less reliable.

MarineTech, on 31 May 2015 - 04:01 AM, said:

Bishop. I have 1 word for you. Wubhoppers.

The Grasshopper is the single most XL friendly mech I've found yet. Pop on minimal jumpjets, shoehorn in an XL340, and run the mech like a larger version of the Hunchback 4P. I originally ran mine with standard engines and my performance was decidedly meh. I dropped in XLs and it became a whole new ballgame, particularly once I got them Elited.

Wub build on the 5H. http://mwo.smurfy-ne...c3b982eed3bb069



Maxiumum Wub on the 5N. http://mwo.smurfy-ne...07d198be7431970

You think these guys are XL friendly? Try the Zeus yet?

just imagine the amount of focus fire I had to endure in this scenario!
The build? 340XL, 1x LRM15 (which I got to shoot exactly 5 times the whole match) 1x AC10 (down to 6 shots out of 45) and 4x MPL. So, no hide and snipe while my team died. This was pretty much the textbook definition of "carry harder".

Edited by Bishop Steiner, 31 May 2015 - 05:27 AM.

[9thDeathscream]

I was skeptical at first but a big XL is a must. It's like night and day before you even start to do the basic efficiencies.
Not the best jumping mech but I found a medium range support role it does well. It's ok at brawling those side torsos don't get taken out very often.

Yeah big XL is the way to go!!!!!

[Carrioncrows]

Bishop Steiner, on 31 May 2015 - 04:10 AM, said:

Great. Then why the passive aggressiveness in your previous post? For the record I don't get perfect hit reg with them. I don't with lasers, either. Especially on lights. If I actually cared to record matches, you'd puke in your mouth a little at the stupid amount of amperes, joules and whatever else I can pump into a light while their armor barely registers it. At least with PPCs, most of the time, if i do my part, I take a decent chunk out of them. On my end, it seems lasers are even less reliable.


You think these guys are XL friendly? Try the Zeus yet?

We are simply one of those rare combinations of people that our attempts to communicate via written word is simply misunderstood.

It can easily spiral out of control as each attempt to clarify is chalked up to animosity and passive aggressiveness.

We have no issue getting our intent and meaning across to other people but when it comes to the written word we simply have our wires crossed occasionally.

We've met in person, at launch. Trust me we are good. No animosity here, if there was it wasn't intended.

[Sjorpha]

cSand, on 30 May 2015 - 09:43 PM, said:

I'm lovin this thing

Granted I can't find a good build for me for the 5H so far...

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...2181719e29865e6

[Bishop Steiner]

Sjorpha, on 31 May 2015 - 05:29 AM, said:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...2181719e29865e6

interesting

[Carrioncrows]

My 3 Grasshopper Loadouts:

5H
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...44014ca89d84aa7


5J
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...6828d06416051fd


5N
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...57d9c1300aef0fc

Armor is however you like it.

Edited by Carrioncrows, 31 May 2015 - 06:07 AM.

[Bishop Steiner]

pulling a 2.67 KDr so far in my 5N build. Damage is a bit low, at 383 avg, but have had a few matches where my team got rolled, or those fun ones that happen so fast you never really get in position. Plus aside from my old TimberWub build (2 LPL, 3 MPL, 3 MG) I find laser mechs tend to be my lowest scorers on avg. But then, my "best" Heavies are only averaging in the 430s so, not that far off.

[Johny Rocket]

Bishop Steiner, on 30 May 2015 - 09:26 PM, said:

Was wanting to like these mechs. Even looked forward to them. Was expecting a lot more out of them than my Zeus, TBH.

And I see people who do well with them. Apparently, I thought a mobile, jumping mech, with a name like Grasshopper, and modest weapon loadouts, would actually be, IDK..... agile, for it's size? Like a Summoner, but with better overall hardpoint access?

Well, it's got the better hardpoints, especially in the Laser Vomit Meta..... but agility? To start with it has the Huge Movement Profile. After busting Russ out on it, he got the Gnomes to do some code wizardry to "artificially" fix that, supposedly I guess it emulates a "Large" mech now, instead of Huge.

Yet despite that, and maybe because of it's incongruous gangly height....it feels immensely sluggish. And while it doesn't jump Highlander bad....... I got 6, count them SIX JJs on my ® Model....... and the thing jumps like a Lead Pig.

Now... I realize every mech is not for everybody. Fighting styles, preferred weapons, etc. For those of you who like and do well in them...what the heck is your secret?

Funny to see this post after I did a short ride along with you in one of your Grasshoppers. I concur with your point, not very jumpy for something named Grasshopper. But hey Cicada is a flying bug and none of mine even jump.

[Bishop Steiner]

Tractor Joe, on 31 May 2015 - 07:00 AM, said:

Funny to see this post after I did a short ride along with you in one of your Grasshoppers. I concur with your point, not very jumpy for something named Grasshopper. But hey Cicada is a flying bug and none of mine even jump.

would have LOVED a jumping CDC hero. Much more than the X5.

[Mechteric]

The problem is with all jump jets, not just those on one mech or another. I think they have all the information they need to make a good decision on making jets fun, just a matter of time now before they realize it and implement it properly.

[Johny Rocket]

Bishop Steiner, on 31 May 2015 - 07:01 AM, said:

would have LOVED a jumping CDC hero. Much more than the X5.

Am glad to know about the Hoppers, was thinking of buying all 3.
Yeah 1 jumpy CDC would be nice, have to check Sarna on it though, don't have the X5 but working to Elite the 3M

[Simbacca]

Bishop Steiner, on 30 May 2015 - 09:26 PM, said:

And I see people who do well with them. Apparently, I thought a mobile, jumping mech, with a name like Grasshopper, and modest weapon loadouts, would actually be, IDK..... agile, for it's size? Like a Summoner, but with better overall hardpoint access?

Yet despite that, and maybe because of it's incongruous gangly height....it feels immensely sluggish. And while it doesn't jump Highlander bad....... I got 6, count them SIX JJs on my ® Model....... and the thing jumps like a Lead Pig.

Now... I realize every mech is not for everybody. Fighting styles, preferred weapons, etc. For those of you who like and do well in them...what the heck is your secret?

I agree its agility and jump jets are...slow.

I am crazy. This is my loadout for the Grasshopper-5J® -- which I have had decent results.

4 Med Lasers
2 ER Large Lasers
1 SRM4 with 1 ton ammo
2 AMS with 2.5 tons ammo
6 additional DHS
Endo-Steel Structure
XL350
6 Jump Jets

[Bishop Steiner]

Tractor Joe, on 31 May 2015 - 07:05 AM, said:

Am glad to know about the Hoppers, was thinking of buying all 3.
Yeah 1 jumpy CDC would be nice, have to check Sarna on it though, don't have the X5 but working to Elite the 3M

CDCs are the only IS MEdium I just never clicked with.... makes me sad because I LOVE Alex's redesign of them, and have always had a soft spot for 40 tonners. Vulcan and Assassin are two of my all time favorite mechs.

Simbacca, on 31 May 2015 - 07:06 AM, said:

I agree its agility and jump jets are...slow.

I am crazy. This is my loadout for the Grasshopper-5J® -- which I have had decent results.

4 Med Lasers
2 ER Large Lasers
1 SRM4 with 1 ton ammo
2 AMS with 2.5 tons ammo
6 additional DHS
Endo-Steel Structure
XL350
6 Jump Jets

pretty close to my old build on it.... just ran too hot. Now I think it's 4-5 MLs with 2x ERLLs in one arm. Dropped the SRms for DHS, and it's more manageable now, but I find I really prefer my 5N so far out of the chassis.

[Simbacca]

Bishop Steiner, on 31 May 2015 - 07:08 AM, said:

CDCs are the only IS MEdium I just never clicked with.... makes me sad because I LOVE Alex's redesign of them, and have always had a soft spot for 40 tonners. Vulcan and Assassin are two of my all time favorite mechs.


pretty close to my old build on it.... just ran too hot. Now I think it's 4-5 MLs with 2x ERLLs in one arm. Dropped the SRms for DHS, and it's more manageable now, but I find I really prefer my 5N so far out of the chassis.

My 5N runs:
4 Large Pulse Lasers -- All mounted on arms (I did this for my Atlas-RS a loooong time ago).
1 TAG <-Head Mounted -- handy for those TAG and Spotting Bonuses for LRM carriers
1 AMS with 1 ton ammo
4 additional DHS
Endo-Steel Structure
XL300
4 Jump Jets

My 5H runs:
4 Large Lasers
2 Small Lasers <-Needed these to push to the Torso Large Lasers to shoulder height.
1 SRM4 with 1 ton ammo
1 AMS with 1 ton ammo
6 additional DHS
Endo-Steel Structure
XL325
4 Jump Jets